Earth sciences

Implications of changes in climatic averages and variability on food production opportunities in Ontario, Canada

Article Abstract:

A sharp increase in the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases could have a severe impact on food production in the Canadian province of Ontario. An analysis of possible climatic change effects indicates that a doubling in the atmospheric concentration of any of these greenhouse gases would lead to extended frost-free seasons and increased variability in annual precipitation levels. These climatic changes would have a significant socio-economic effect as they would lead to wild fluctuations in farm incomes and would adversely affect Ontario's long-term food supply.

The conclusion that climatic changes that cause substantial reductions in agricultural production would have only modest effects on global agricultural production and economic welfare was criticized. It was argued that the methodology used in the study is flawed, and the paper failed to draw obvious and important interdisciplinary linkages. The paper made policy considerations which were objectionable on moral and legal grounds. Thus, the paper could cause complacency regarding the effects of greenhouse gases on agricultural output.

An empirical study of the economic effects of climate change on world agriculture

Article Abstract:

The global economy and society may suffer considerably due to a foreseen global climate change which may be caused by the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Climate change models were made to observe the implications of such a change. The result of these models implied that a climate change would decrease the yield of world agriculture and subsequently increase prices of agricultural and basic commodities. The change would also create difficulties for producer and consumer welfare.